- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 12,539
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this [matter]." So Paul departed from among them. However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Acts 17:32-34 NKJV
Do you have friends, coworkers, classmates, or acquaintances who simply refuse to believe any of the supernatural elements of Christianity? Maybe they don’t believe in angels or the virgin birth or the resurrection of the dead. If so, you aren’t alone.
Paul spoke to the men of Athens and stood strong as he heralded the resurrection of the dead. Yes, he faced mockers. But don’t miss out on the fact that he also gained a hearing among some—so much so that some of the men joined him and believed. That’s amazing if you think about it. And it was proof that God was at work even in a place where people worshipped an unknown god.
It’s easy to say you believe the Word of God when you’re among fellow believers. It’s not so easy to hold fast to the truth when you’re surrounded by mockers. Don’t focus on them. Instead, hold fast to the faith and rejoice over those who want to hear more about a Messiah who has conquered sin and death.
Prayer: Father, in the past I’ve allowed mockers to distract me from sharing the truth. Shape me into someone like Paul, who continued sharing despite opposition.
Do you have friends, coworkers, classmates, or acquaintances who simply refuse to believe any of the supernatural elements of Christianity? Maybe they don’t believe in angels or the virgin birth or the resurrection of the dead. If so, you aren’t alone.
Paul spoke to the men of Athens and stood strong as he heralded the resurrection of the dead. Yes, he faced mockers. But don’t miss out on the fact that he also gained a hearing among some—so much so that some of the men joined him and believed. That’s amazing if you think about it. And it was proof that God was at work even in a place where people worshipped an unknown god.
It’s easy to say you believe the Word of God when you’re among fellow believers. It’s not so easy to hold fast to the truth when you’re surrounded by mockers. Don’t focus on them. Instead, hold fast to the faith and rejoice over those who want to hear more about a Messiah who has conquered sin and death.
Prayer: Father, in the past I’ve allowed mockers to distract me from sharing the truth. Shape me into someone like Paul, who continued sharing despite opposition.
